Obituary of Gerald R. Heller

Gerald R. Heller, age 89, passed away peacefully at his home in Bloomfield Hills, MI on October 27, 2017. He was preceded in death by his parents Helen E. (Broderick) and Ralph Heller of Milwaukee, WI, his sister Diane J. Cholka of Milwaukee WI, as well as his brother-in-law Edward Heider of Brown Deer, WI. He was the beloved husband of Mary Claire Heller, and the devoted father of daughters Kathryn Fishbain (Dr. Joel Fishbain) Linda Heller, and Jeanne Bourget (Jack Bourget). He dearly loved his grandsons Steven Fishbain of Bozeman, MT, Michael Fishbain of Catonsville, MD, and Theodore Bourget of Chicago, IL. He was the loving brother-in-law of Margaret Heider of Milwaukee, WI and is survived by many beloved nieces and nephews, their children and grandchildren. Jerry was born on Thanksgiving Day, November 24, 1927; as a boy he became an Eagle Scout. A proud veteran of the U. S. Army Air Force, Jerry served his country as a cryptographer as part of the Occupation Army in Wiesbaden, Germany, where he also participated in the Berlin Air Lift. He received an honorable discharge in 1948. Jerry graduated from Marquette University in 1952, where he was President of the Delta Sigma Pi Professional Business Fraternity, and completed coursework toward his masters degree at the University of Wisconsin. He was employed as a wage and salary administrator at Miller Brewing Co., then was employed by Manpower, Inc. International Headquarters in Milwaukee, until becoming Franchise Owner of Manpower of Detroit, Inc., where he worked for over 40 years until his retirement in 1990. A natural leader, Jerry served as President of First English Evangelical Lutheran Church, President of Kiwanis #1 Club in Detroit, President of the Detroit Executives Association, and he was an active member of the Senior Mens Club of Birmingham. He often took on leadership roles in many other organizations. He met his wife Mary Claire when he joined the church choir in Milwaukee; a clear Irish tenor, he sang many solos at the various churches he attended. He enjoyed being with his loving family, golfing at Gowanie Golf Club where he was a member for many years, bowling at the Detroit Athletic Club, and more recently, attending weekly meetings and the Book Club of the Birmingham Senior Mens Club, where he also served as the Song Leader for 10 years. Jerry lived in the Grosse Pointes with his family for years. A devout Christian, he attended Christ the King, Peace Lutheran, and First English Evangelical Lutheran churches before moving to Bingham Farms, and then to Bloomfield Hills, where he was a member of Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, and St. James Episcopal Church. A true gentleman with a firm handshake, an infectious smile and a mentoring spirit, he will be remembered fondly and lovingly by those who knew him. A Memorial Service will be held at St. James Episcopal Church, 355 W. Maple Road, Birmingham, MI on Tuesday, November 21 at 11:00 AM. Private interment will be held at the Great Lakes National Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to Gleaners Community Food Bank, 2131 Beaufait, Detroit, MI 48207, or to Forgotten Harvest, 21800 Greenfield Road, Oak Park, MI 48237.